Does aging invariably lead to stiffness, pain, and increased injury? Why is it that some seniors are playing tennis well into their 80s while others are already discontinuing activities in their 60s?

While it’s true that our bodies change as we age, the Feldenkrais® view of aging is highly optimistic. The logic is simple. Poor postural and movement habits are common to adults of all ages in our culture. Slumping over a computer, spending long periods in car seats and office chairs, working inefficiently at carrying objects or just our own body weight—these are issues common in most adults. So what’s the difference between a twenty-year-old and a sixty-year-old? The younger one has had just a few years of wear-and-tear from bad movement habits, while the older one has accumulated 40 plus years of it.

The good news is that we can start learning to improve our movement habits at any age! People who begin doing Feldenkrais are often surprised to find that what they had thought of as chronic issues can in many cases be addressed with some simple changes in movement habits. By identifying common forms of movement-induced strain—such as holding the head in front of the trunk while walking, letting the pelvis collapse in a chair, or neglecting to breathe fully while in movement—we can begin to work with the everyday sources of pain or discomfort in your life.

Wouldn’t it be good to move freely again? With some Feldenkrais guidance and your own curiosity, improved movement is a real possibility!